Top 15 Burgers in Salt Lake City

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Burgers. There’s nothing that can comfort the soul quite like a thick, juicy beef patty encased in melted cheese, two fluffy pillows of carbs, and topped with anything under the sun. Bacon? Avocado? Grilled onions? The more glutenous the better. Even in the heart of a so-called “small” city, Salt Lake has an impressive inventory of incredible burgers- from old to new, classic to innovative, simple to outrageous. The SLC Female Foodie team had a great time putting this list together to highlight, what we feel to be, are the BEST burgers in Salt Lake City with a special bonus list at the end. Note: this post has been revised since its original publication.

15. Coppercreek Pub & Grub

A fantastic pub grub spot for those located west of downtown. If you haven’t visited Coppercreek Pub & Grub in West Valley, then put it on your list for one reason and one reason only: THE CHUBBY. AKA a ground chuck patty smashed between TWO GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES. Smothered in grilled onions, mushrooms, and Thousand Island dressing. Read our full post on Coppercreek Pub & Grub *HERE*. Coppercreek Pub & Grub (3451 5600 West, West Valley City, UT // 801.417.0051)

14. Cotton Bottom Inn

This small pub will not catch your eye as you’re driving past, but the big talk about its garlic burgers definitely will! Many Salt Lake City natives have tried or heard of this authentic sandwich and have come back for years craving a bite. A slab of juicy garlic meat squished between a crispy flaky bun and topped with classic condiments make for a unique take on the typical burger! Cotton Bottom Inn (2820 East 6200 South, Holladay, UT // 801.273.9830)

13. Manoli’s

This list has an extensive array of different styles of burgers but one of the best burgers in the city has unquestionably been the lamb burger from the relatively new restaurant, Manoli’s. The flavors of this lamb and beef patty are unbelievable, served with red pepper feta spread, garlic aioli, and fennel slaw. All served on an artisan bun with a light side salad. Manoli’s typically encourages a dining culture of small plates and sharing but this burger is one that simply cannot be shared. Manoli’s (402 E Harvey Milk Blvd, #2, Salt Lake City, UT // 801.532.3760)

11. Bambara

After the original publication of this post I was told by several burger lovers in SLC that the burger at Bambara is an absolute MUST. Although we were informed by our server that there have been recent changes to the classic burger, this burger should still be at the top of your list. Cooked to order this beef patty is served with smoky cheddar and a side of some of the BEST fries on this entire list. Don’t forget to dip in the side of aioli. Bambara (202 Main St, Salt Lake City, UT // 801.363.5454)

10. R&R BBQ

Roger and Rod Livingston started off as champions of nine cooking competitions and ended as famous restauranteurs and bbq-ers. Not only have they captured the hearts of native southerners living in SLC, but have stirred up some of the best meat in town. The Caveman burger holds many of their famous slices of meat: melt-in-your-mouth pulled pork, flavor blasted andouille sausage, and a perfectly cooked 1/3 lb burger all topped with fried jalapeños, Monterey jack cheese, and their special sweet sauce. A side of sweet potato fries and you’ve hit a bonus. R & R BBQ (307 West 600 South, Salt Lake City, UT // 801.364.0443)

9. East Liberty Tap House

If you’re in the mood for a classic, delicious burger, the Tap House Burger is for you. The thick, juicy burger itself is so craveable, but when you combine it with their house-made pickles (they’re truly amazing) and the signature peppercorn aioli, you have a winner. And don’t even get us started on the fries. Major heart eyes. East Liberty Tap House (850 East 900 South, Salt Lake City, UT // 801.441.2845)

8. The Copper Onion

Talk to any burger connesuier in Salt Lake City and they’ll mention The Copper Onion Burger without fail- and for good reason too. This juicy Niman Ranch beef burger is cooked to order and served with caramelized onions, aioli, and iceberg lettuce all on a delicious house bun. Always order with a slice of cheddar! The Copper Onion (111 East Broadway #170, Salt Lake City, UT // 801.355.3282)

7. Lucky 13

Lucky 13 has been a Salt Lake City staple for years and there’s good reason for it! Located just a block west of Smith’s Ballpark, they’re constantly busy filled with loyal SLC customers looking to break ground on some of their delicious (and huge) beef patties. Our pick: the Celestial Burger. It’s a large beef patty served with house-smoked bacon, grilled onions, cheddar cheese, and house barbecue sauce. Make sure to bring your ID for this one! #nomnomnom Lucky 13 (135 West 1300 South, Salt Lake City, UT // 801.487.4418)

6. The Garage on Beck

The Garage on Beck does a fantastic job of serving comfort food items to match the ambiance and aesthetic of this once auto repair shop turned into roadhouse bar. Although the Fried Mormon Funeral Potatoes and Southern Fried Chicken top the charts for menu items, The Garage serves over half a dozen quality burgers. Our pick: the Cowboy Burger. This hand-pressed patty is served with golden and crispy onion rings, bacon, cheddar cheese, leaf lettuce, and fresh tomato with a pat of BBQ sauce. Unreal. The Garage on Beck (1199 Beck Street, Salt Lake City, UT // 801.521.3904)

5. Chedda Burger

Burgers with Attitude! Owner Nick Watts originally started his burger infatuation in the original Chedda Truck and has since then opened up a storefront location on 600 south and most recently a new location on Foothill. These burgers are creative, delicious, and oh so chedda-licioussss. Menu favorites include The Green Mile, The Mother Hen, and The Dirt Bag. Read our full review on Chedda Burger *HERE*. Chedda Burger (26 East 600 South, Salt Lake City, UT // 801.448.6116)

4. From Scratch

From Scratch has become one of our favorite restaurants in the town! It’s situated on a lesser known street- Gallivan Avenue, just off of State Street and Broadway downtown. This new-ish SLC restaurant takes their name to heart and literally creates everything From Scratch (even the ketchup- who does that??) with their locally sourced menu of bistro fare from pizza to salads to pasta to burgers. We suggest the Egg Burger. Schedule a date for this SLC hotspot and in the meantime read our full post *HERE*. From Scratch (62 East Gallivan Ave. Salt Lake City, UT // 801.961.9000)

3. Pago

The Pago Burger is truly fit for a queen and among all of the other amazing burgers on this list stands out for its incredible flavor within and surrounding the beef patty. Served with bacon, white cheddar, pickled onion, black truffle aioli, and truffle frites, you are bound to fall in love at first bite. Pago (878 900 E, Salt Lake City, UT // 801.532.0777)

2. Hires Big H

Our longest standing foodie affair on this collection and also on our list of Top 10 Places to Eat in Salt Lake City! Their burgers are nothing crazy or outrageously fancy- just a classic, darn good burger. Order their namesake burger (The Big H) for a ground chuck hamburger topped with fry sauce, lettuce, tomato, and American Cheese (I like to add grilled onions and avocado to mine). Make sure to enjoy your Big H with some of their homemade onion rings or hand cut fries and a thick, homemade oreo shake. Hires Big H ( 425 South 700 East, Salt Lake City, UT // 801.364.4582 )

1. HSL

The number one burger on our list this year goes to undoubtedly to the folks at HSL (Handle Salt Lake). Served both during lunch and dinner, the HSL burger is truly unforgettable. There isn’t anything too fancy or too frivolous about this burger- just an amazingly flavorful beef patty adorned with the greatest american cheese you’ll ever taste alongside pickled red cabbage and tomato jam. HSL (418 E 200 S, Salt Lake City, UT // 801.539.9999)

Bonus: Best Burgers Near Salt Lake City

5. Logan: Morty’s Cafe

For a delicious, juicy burger while dining in Logan, Morty’s is the best place in town. Opening in 2014, Morty’s set out with the goal of creating “Cache Valley’s Best Quick-Serve Hamburger”. The burger patties are incredibly flavorful and adorned with all fresh toppings depending on what suits your fancy. Make sure you enjoy some of their amazing homemade classic or sweet potato fries with your burger, and if you’re especially hungry a raspberry shake! Morty’s Cafe(780 E 700 N, Logan, UT // 435.535.3276)

4. Saratoga Springs: Seven Brothers

One of our favorite newcomers to the Utah burger scene is unquestionably Seven Brothers- we love them for their fresh and delicious burgers and extremely family oriented customer service! There are so many great options when dining with Seven Brothers but we’re partial to the Paniolo Burger, stacked high with fresh grilled pineapple, 2 strips of bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, 2 monster onion rings and topped with paniolo BBQ sauce. Read our full review on Seven Brothers HERE. Seven Brothers Truck UT (Pioneer Crossing and Redwood Road *by Smith’s, Saratoga Springs, UT, 84045//Bulldog and University Ave. *Provo High Parking Lot, Provo, UT, 84604)

3. Provo: Chom Burger

We love Chom Burger for burgers, fries, and shakes that remind us a whole lot of Shake Shack in New York City. There are a lot of delicious menu items, but we recommend their green chile avocado burger, complete with a toasted potato bun, CHOM sauce, pepper jack cheese, green chiles, and guacamole. Fries and shake are a necessity. Chom Burger (45 West 300 North, Provo, UT // 385.241.7499)

2. Provo: Black Sheep Cafe

With a creative spin on Navajo cuisine, Black Sheep boasts some of the most gorgeous and delectable plates in the valley for lunch, dinner, and brunch on the weekends. You can read in depth about our Black Sheep dining experience *here*, but in the meantime feast your eyes on this life-changing 1/2 pound Bleu Burger with bleu cheese, caramelized onions, and bacon, served with a cab sauv reduction and mayo. Amen. Black Sheep Cafe (19 North University Ave, Provo // 801.607.2485)

1. Park City: High West Distillery and Saloon

Possibly the absolute best burger in the state of Utah comes from High West Distillery & Saloon in the mountains of Park City- a definite mention on our list of best restaurants in Park City. The High West Burger is truly sublime- a beautiful 8 oz. blend of bison and beef served with broiled aged gruyere, blue cheese, BBQ glazed sweet onion, crispy fried shallots, all served on a homemade house caraway bun with hand cut fries. High West Distillery & Saloon (703 Park Ave, Park City, UT // 435.649.8300)

Did you like this post?? Be sure to check out similar posts featuring Salt Lake City restaurants:

I know it isn’t in Salt Lake City, but I have to say what beats all of these burgers its the SBD with blue cheese, bacon and red onion. Its at the Junction. They have three locations, one in Midvale, Park City and one in Heber. The best

There’s a little place (they just expanded, actually) in pleasant grove connected to ace hardware called Chubby’s and their burgers, chicken, and beer battered fries are phenomenal. To me, a burger is only as good as the fries so both have to be perfect. They just opened a new location in Saratoga springs too. They use homemade buns and it’s just one of the best. I also love a place called taggart’s in Morgan. We eat there every year during a family reunion. The cream cheese pepper jelly burger makes me salivate even just thinking about it. They also use homemade buns I think. Everything About that burger is perfect. Plus they also have beer battered fries ?. They have a famous carrot cake slice that is like two pounds with an inch of frosting. Best cake ever.

Hey Lisa- Thanks so much for the insider tip on Chubby’s. I literally CANNOT wait to try! Nothing better than a delicious burger with a homemade bun to match it! And that cream cheese pepper jelly burger sounds in-cred-ible. Now I need a burger!

How did the Avenues Bisto Burger not make your list? It is the best in SLC. Even more so than HSL which is a great burger. The last time I had the HSL burger the waiter and I talked about how great the Avenues Bistro burger is.

A few months ago I thought I would try Lucky 13 since Im a major burger lover. I was in a hurry to get there and cleaned all the reciepts and garbage out of my wallet. I inadvertantly took my Utah ID out of my wallet with all the reciepts. When I got there the doorman asked for my ID. Im over 60 and I dont drink and I look my age. I had two ID that were expired on me but the doorman/bouncer wouldnt let me in. I just wanted to order something to go. The doorman was such a jerk to me that I would rather go to mcdonalds than eat anything from that dump. Im glad I found this page so I can spend my money at a place that deserves it.

I think overall, this is a great list, but I have to totally disagree about HSL. I just had that burger today and the highlight was the bun (probably the best bun I’ve ever tasted) and the home style fries. The burger itself was really bland and forgettable. No seasoning to speak of. Not to mention I asked for a medium rare burger and it was totally under cooked. Copper Onion all the way.

Hi Chuck- thanks for your feedback. SO bummed to hear that you didn’t have a great experience at HSL. I’ve had the burger multiple times and never had a bland, unseasoned, or overcooked burger. But I totally understand how disappointing that can be and sadly sometimes it takes one wrong person in the kitchen to mess things up. Hope you like the others on the list. I agree- Copper Onion makes a killer burger. Thanks for reading!

Because I’m not on a gluten free diet, I wouldn’t be able to tell you, but I’m sure if you called the restaurants they’d have that info. I have linked to all restaurant websites and listed phone numbers beneath each spot. Hope that helps!